Liquid crystal

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Liquid crystal (LC) is a state of matter whose properties are between those of conventional liquids and those of solid crystals. There are many types of LC phases, which can be classified by the molecular shape of their subunits, the arrangement and symmetry of the phase, as well as the method by which the liquid crystalline phase is accessed. A molecule which can access LC mesophases is called a mesogen. Just as in crystalline solids, the ordering present in liquid crystals offers anisotropic optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. Their crystalline-like anisotropy alongside their liquid-like stimuli responsiveness and flow have made LCs useful in applications in displays (notably Liquid-crystal displays), sensors, and soft robotics. Liquid crystals can be divided into three main types: thermotropic, lyotropic, and metallotropic. Thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals consist mostly of organic molecules, although a few minerals are also known. Thermotropic LCs exhibit a phase...

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